Three Reasons I Like Alan Jackson’s Good Time
If Alan Jackson really was rockin’ in his cradle to the crying of a steel guitar, as he claims in his 1990 hit “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow,” then his mother must’ve known best. She must’ve known that Jackson, who will turn 50 in October, was destined for country icon status. And his new CD, Good Time, (out on Tuesday) stakes his claim to that upper echelon of Nashville heroes even more. This space isn’t big enough for a proper review of the 17 tunes he penned himself. So I will try, desperately, to narrow it down to the top three reasons you should own this little slice of country music heaven:
One: A simple track called “I Still Like Bologna.” It has a love it/hate it/love it message about the high-tech world we’re in. But Jackson’s bottom line is that bologna, a woman’s love and a good cell phone are the keys to happiness. I’d like to add to that list the sound of the double bass you can hear in the background.
Two: “Good Time.” Sounds cliché, I know. But this isn’t just another let’s-go-out-tonight song. It’s a fast-talker, which gives Jackson a chance to show off the myriad talents he’s got in his voice without a whole bunch of unnecessary instruments. But the sweet harmonica break towards the end does add to the infectious workin’-all-week anthem.
Three: Country music’s good about taking a phrase and turning it around. That’s what happens in the brilliantly written “Right Where I Want You,” when Jackson sings, “You’ve got me right where I want you.” Gentle vocals help him pull off this aching ballad about getting caught up in love. (This last one was a tie for third place with “Small Town Southern Man,” the one on the radio right now. But the radio’s already doing a good job pushing that one.)
It’s obvious that Jackson takes his craft seriously. He sticks to relatable narratives without ever losing focus on who he is — in life, and in country music.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Butch says:
Country Universe blog had a list of Alan Jackson’s Top 25 songs. If you like Alan Jackson, you might also like The Front Porch Country Band.
Janice says:
He is the best theres no doubt about that. He calls it like he sees it and I like the way he sees it! I’ve been a fan forevere and am glad for one he is back those country roots.
shea mullin says:
Downloaded it last night and have to agree with everything here. Alan is the opposite of the music played by people like big and rich and that’s part of his magic.
Brianna says:
I have not heard the album yet, but I love “Small Town Southern Man.” There’s something about Jackson’s voice that just fits with that song. I can’t wait to hear this album though; we’ll see if I agree with you on the top 3. :)
Carol Pullen says:
Love Alan Jackson, he takes whats in my heart and puts it into words. Honest and real.
Doris Johnson says:
Alan Jackson, he is the best singer & song writer out there. He just knows how to write songs that ever one can relate to.What other artist gets his own radio station for five days to promote his new album and sing most if not all of the songs he has sang sence day one.HE IS THE BEST.Hope he is here for a long time’
Carolyn Graham says:
I love this guy his new CD is just great. After reading Denise’s book it makes me appreciate him even more. He has a great family.
leny says:
Don’t ever be worry Alan Jackson will change his music into pop country. Good Time is the answer! How beautiful these album. I like Small Town Southern Man , 1976, Sissy’s Song,and the others. Yaaa. He is still the pure country man.
Charlie Jordan says:
WoW !! Alan at his best, one of his best albums! What you see is what you get from this Country Music Hall of Famer.
Thank you for this great album. This is what’s it’s all abount ladies and gentlemen.
phyllis says:
I love all of Alan Jackson’s music he has not put out anything that i did not love but most all i love his Gospel music
Kim says:
Alan is the Master in song writing !!!!! I Love all his music. GOOD TIME is probably his best yet, Love this album. No one can but a smile on my face like Alan, his beautiful voice can’t be beat. Alan has a graceful and humble God given talent that is shared with all of us. I’m so proud to be a fan of his. Thank You Alan !!!!Love Ya
Daniel says:
I really feel that Alan should of been nominated for alot of awards this year, and I’m realy bummed that he wasn’t, what a slap in the face for him, he is the best, and what a down to earth and humble guy. Keep going Alan, and I love you man, and yes you can my Bud.